
Originally Posted by
SAR I
When you step back and look big-picture, in seasons where we've had a healthy quarterback, the Jets average 9.5 wins every season since 1997. Take away the one VT season and the few CP seasons and we're a serious playoff contender with a healthy QB for 15 consecutive years.
During that span, our defense, offensive line, and running game were somewhat dominant, and the quarterback or the head coach were always the weak links. Because Parcells built us on defense, OL, and rushing, we've brought in head coach after head coach who were all defensive guys, all with a different plan to win tight, low-scoring games.
When VT got tired, in comes Pennington. When Pennington wore down, in comes Favre. When Favre left, in comes Sanchez. Head coaches, same thing. And each time, the new HC or QB energized the club, got us a few more years on the backs of the core defense, offensive line, and rushing attack that Parcells laid seed for.
The reason we are where we are now is that the defense, OL, and rushing attack have been neglected and mismanaged to the point where they're gone. For the first time since 1996, we are in deep trouble and a mere QB change or HC change isn't going to make a difference.
I think this is why so many fans are struggling with what's going on now. See, it feels like we've had some roller-coaster dips these last 15 years, but we really haven't. Only when our QB had some devastating injury did we have an awful season. We've remarkably been one of the most consistent NFL teams for a decade and a half. So screaming for a QB change feels natural, feels like what we're supposed to do. Problem is, this time it goes much deeper.
In the end, NFL teams don't get 15 year runs like that, averaging 9.5 wins. And in the end, NFL teams don't get back-to-back Championship Game runs and perpetuate that without a HOF caliber elite QB. The '08 to '10 teams were our high water mark, we're falling back now for awhile.
SAR I
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